Mint

The words 'cool', 'refreshing', 'tingling' and 'invigorating' come to mind when you hear the mention of mint. I sing the praises of this wonderful herb for many spiritual uses from cleansing to basic energizing sustenance.

Mint, also known as yerba buena or hierba buena (good herb) in many Hispanic countries; is an easy herb to grow and is readily available in local herb gardens or markets. Traditionally, mint is used for spiritual cleansing baths. It is the 'go to' herb for removing hexes, bad luck and negativity. It also helps to clear mental fog and enhance concentration.

A fresh mint bath is my personal favorite for routine ritual cleansing. It washes away the negativity of the daily grind as well as any bad juju that was thrown my way while I was out and about. Of course, dried mint can be used by making a strong infusion or tea, but when available, I love to use the fresh herb. It is cool, refreshing and revitalizing.

To prepare a fresh mint bath you will need:
• A large white bowl, bucket or pitcher
• Fresh cool water
• A bundle of fresh mint
• A splash of gin
• A drizzle of honey
• A white candle (blessed and dressed appropriately)
Pour the water into the bowl, take up the bundle of herbs in your hands and hold over the water. Begin talking to the mint. Speaking to your herbs or chanting over your herbs is what unlocks their potential and give them power. Speak from the heart but here is an example:

"yerba buena cleanse me. Lend me your cleansing power. Wash away evils. Wash away all negativity. Cleanse my head. Clear my head. Cool my head. Give me clarity. Wash away my problems. Wash away bad luck. Wash away witchcraft and juju. Make me clean. Refresh me. Revitalize and invigorate me. Bring blessings."

As you chant, you want to tear the herbs. Tear the leaves and stems into the water. Squeeze the plant to release the juices. After that, drizzle a little honey and pour a splash of gin into the water. Now your bath is prepared. Strain or skim the herbs off if you wish but it is good if a few bits of the leaves remain on you after you bathe.

Before cleansing, you will want to light your candle and make your prayers or read psalms 10 aloud seven times.
Then draw your bath and then pour the bucket of mint water into the tub. Soak in the tub for 20 mins. Make sure to wash your head if you are asking for mental clarity and strength. Then step out and allow yourself drip dry. Or pat dry if necessary. Allow the candle to finish burning.

Alternatively, if you do not have a bathtub, you can take a shower and then turn the shower off; pour the mint preparation over your body from head to toe. Then step out and drop dry if possible.

Enjoy the sensation of freshness in body and spirit!

Hyssop Bath

Hyssop

What could be more uplifting than a hyssop bath?
Hyssop is a time tested, favorite among hoodoo practitioners. The most popular use for the herb is in bathing rituals. A member of the mint family, hyssop has an intense spiritual cleansing effect, which truly leaves you feeling refreshed, radiant and pure.

There are many Biblical references to the use of hyssop in spiritual cleansing rituals. Special hyssop baths were prepared by Levite priests to cleanse away sin and also to purify a person and the persons home after sickness. At the time of the passover, stocks of hyssop were used like paint brushes to paint the blood of the sacrificial lambs on the door posts of each home, so that the angel of death would pass over them. King David mentions the use of hyssop bath to cleanse away sin and impart purity in Psalm 51:7: “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”. It is common for hoodoo root workers to recite Psalms 51 repeatedly (3 or 7 times) as a part of the hyssop bath ritual.

Hyssop baths can be used when you need to cleanse away negative vibes from a number of circumstances, such as:
• sin or bad habits
• negative thinking or bad attitude (jealousy, anger, envy, covetousness, greed, selfishness, laziness etc... )
• mental and emotional traps, such as: discouragement, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, fear etc...
• bad luck (bad karma)
• jinxes, hexes, witchcraft
• negative effects of other people's envy (evil eye) and ill wishes towards you.
• purify and bring renewed vitality after illness

To prepare a hyssop bath: place a large handful of dried hyssop in a pot of boiling water. Remove from heat, cover and let steep for 20 mins. Strain the infusion, add a little honey and a drop of rose oil.

Next you will want to dress a white candle with rose oil and sprinkle a little dried hyssop around the base of the cande. Make your prayers or state your intention over the candle and light it. Keep it in the bathroom while you bathe.

Draw a bath and pour the herbal infusion directly into the bathtub. If you do not have a bathtub, not to worry; you can simply pour the prepared infusion over your head and body after your shower. Before you bathe, read aloud Psalm 51. Repeat the Psalms 3 or 7 times. Bathe mindfully and prayerfully. Step out of the bath and allow yourself to drip dry, if possible. If you must dry off, just gently pat dry. You do not want to wipe off the special bath. Towel dry your hair as normal. Let the candle continue to burn all the way down.  You will feel a relief; like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.